Ras Malai

Directions

1. 1
   Mix 1 1/2 cups of sugar with the Ricotta cheese and bake it in a 400F (200C) oven for about 75 minutes in a flat dish covered with aluminum foil.
2. 2
   The cheese should have hardened and turned a pale brown.
3. 3
   Thicken the half and half by simmering over low heat for a long time.
4. 4
   This is best done in a microwave; if a microwave is not available, do it over low heat and stir frequently.
5. 5
   Thicken until the volume drops to around half of the original volume.
6. 6
   Add the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, cardamom pods, bay leaf, vanilla and rose water (and any other flavoring that you may want) to the Half and Half.
7. 7
   Heat for a few minutes.
8. 8
   After the cheese has been baked, cut it into 1 inch squares and add to the hot thickened half and half.
9. 9
   Cool for a few hours in the fridge.